Chapter 2

Douglass Brady and Mitch Forbes, who seemed to have nothing in common, first met in middle school.

Due to his father's alcoholism and gambling that left no money for living expenses, Mitch's mother began working as a caregiver early on. Thanks to her youth and competence, after a few years, many people requested her specifically as their caregiver.

Through coincidental opportunities, she cared for people from wealthy families, which led to more work through referrals. Douglass was one of the children she cared for.

Douglass had manifested as an alpha earlier than average, and unfortunately, his pheromones were so strong compared to his peers that they needed to be regulated with medication. This caused him frequent illness.

Pheromone imbalances during adolescence, if not treated at the right time, could become a lifelong condition. The doctor advised minimizing pheromone contact with others until his condition stabilized. Following this recommendation, Douglass was isolated at his family's countryside villa during school breaks for treatment.

That's when Mitch's mother began caring for Douglass. She couldn't leave her then 9th-grade son Mitch alone for months. Debt collectors could show up at their home anytime because of her husband's debts.

Fortunately, Douglass's family allowed Mitch to stay at the villa too. At that time, Mitch was also a beta like his mother, and there wasn't much age difference with Douglass, who was in 7th grade. They decided it would be better for Douglass to spend time with peers than to be completely isolated.

Douglass became quite attached to Mitch, to the surprise of his family.

Lost in these memories, Mitch had arrived at his destination. After parking, he got out of the car and went up to the first floor.

Neo-Bell, the espresso bar concept café that Mitch ran, was located inside the high-ceilinged lobby of the Laverne Building. And there at the seat closest to the counter sat Douglass Brady, looking irritated.

"When is the owner coming? Have you contacted him?"

He was badgering the innocent part-timer about Mitch's whereabouts.

"He should be here soon... if you could just wait a little..."

A dark aura emanated from him, warning that he wouldn't let anyone who disturbed his mood get away with it.

Unlike when he was younger, the now twenty-seven-year-old Douglass Brady's distinct, thickened facial features naturally exuded intimidation. His tall stature also contributed to his fierce appearance.

***

People might think this is his own place. Even in his troubled state, Mitch inwardly chuckled.

Well, strictly speaking, it was his place. This entire building belonged to Douglass's father's company. Since Douglass Brady also worked for this company, no one could say anything about his overbearing behavior.

Mitch could see the part-timer and Douglass's driver looking helplessly confused nearby.

As he approached Douglass, Mitch checked the time. It was just past 4 PM.

It's not even quitting time, yet he's already out here camping. It's not easy to look so delinquent in a formal suit.

"Boss!"

"Rupert."

As soon as the part-timer acknowledged him, Douglass, who had been languidly tapping the table with his fingertips, turned his head toward Mitch.

Despite the café staff and driver being present, he beckoned to Mitch with a finger as if summoning a subordinate. It meant "come here."

When he acted this domineering, Douglass didn't seem like the younger one but more like an older brother.

"What?"

Mitch asked as he approached.

"Why didn't you answer your phone?"

"Didn't see it."

"You call that an excuse?"

Douglass coldly retorted.

"It's true."

"Where were you?"

"I had something to take care of."

"What was it?"

"...I'll tell you later."

Mitch said, aware of the part-timer glancing in their direction.

"Sit."

But Douglass, unwilling to let it go, nodded at the chair across from him.

"Right now..."

"I said sit. Don't make me say it twice."

Douglass raised one eyebrow irritably.

Mitch stared at him blankly for a moment before sitting across from him. He was already accustomed to Douglass's condescending behavior.

If they continued this standoff, voices would get louder and draw unnecessary attention. That wouldn't benefit him.

As always, it was easier to play the role of the pitiful café owner being harassed over trivial matters by the Laverne Group young master.

"When I call, you should answer. Why ignore me?"

"I told you I wasn't ignoring you."

"So where were you?"

"Out..."

What excuse should I give? I can't tell the truth that I met your mother.

Or should he just ask now? Is it true that you're getting married next year? Could your mother be mistaken?

"It would be best not to mention our meeting to Douglass."

But once he asked, the relationship and peaceful daily life he had maintained with Douglass would shatter. Broken beyond repair.

That's why he was afraid to speak carelessly.

"What were you doing out? Don't tell me you met that alpha guy who's been hovering around you. Fletcher Hill, was it?"

Unaware of Mitch's inner turmoil, Douglass was barking up the wrong tree.

"...It's Sammy Stuart. And I told you, I only contact him for dessert deliveries. I didn't even meet him today."

"Then why are you slow to answer? It's suspicious."

Lost in thought, Mitch suddenly remembered the street vendor he'd seen while driving.

"I went to eat pizza."

Mitch lowered his voice and whispered as if embarrassed.

"What pizza?"

"The one they sell in the alley by the intersection. I've been wanting to try it."

"So you left work for that?"

Pizza, all of a sudden? Even to himself, it sounded like a flimsy excuse. He should have come up with something more plausible.

While berating himself, Mitch nodded.

"Yeah. I was reminded of the pizza they used to sell in front of school."

"..."

"I was busy eating the fried food and cakes and everything, so I really didn't see your call."

Fortunately, Douglass's expression softened a bit.

"Then you should have told me. I could have asked my secretary to bring some."

Easier said than done. The pizza craving was a lie to begin with, and how could he boss around someone else's secretary? Besides, Douglass wasn't even senior enough to have a secretary yet, but was boldly using one thanks to his parents' influence.

"Are you... done for the day?"

"Yes. Let's go home."

"Okay. You go down first. I'll clean up at the café and follow in 5 minutes."

"I'll wait in my car."

"Okay."

Douglass's quitting time was truly arbitrary. Only possible because he was the youngest son of the Laverne Group chairman.

Mitch sent Douglass to the parking garage first, then told the part-timer that something came up and he needed to leave, asking him to handle the closing.

"Boss, why does that customer always make such a fuss about you?"

"He wants to raise the café's rent."

Mitch made up a half-hearted excuse.

"Wow. But that doesn't mean he should come here like some gangster ordering people around..."

"I know, right?"

"Rich people are the worst."

The part-timer's eyes were filled with sympathy as he looked at Mitch.

Since Douglass was accustomed to bossing people around, it wasn't strange that others saw them in a hierarchical relationship.

This occasionally irritated Mitch, but it wasn't all bad. Thanks to this, they had maintained their secret relationship for a long time.

"Are you going to keep causing scenes at the café? Showing off because you set it up for me?"

Mitch grumbled as he got into Douglass's car in the parking garage.

Douglass tilted his head, resting both arms on the steering wheel.

"When did I cause a scene?"

"Sitting there like you're staging a protest. It's not even quitting time. You're scaring the part-timers."

Being a large alpha made him intimidating even when sitting still, and when he sat there with a stern expression, slouching in a chair much smaller than his height, he truly looked like a gangster.

Mitch swallowed the last thought.

"What's going on, Mitch Forbes? Did you really forget?"

"Forget what?"